WE ARE SEX BOB-OMB!!! ONE TWO THREE FOUR!!: My review of Scott Pilgrim (Comic/Movie)

OK, sooooooo this blog is about both the comics and the movie adaptation of Scott Pilgrim so bare with me. Let's start with the awesome comics which got delivered two days ago along with the Walking Dead (check yesterday's blog)

So the comics of Scott Pilgrim began in July 2004 and ended recently in August 2010, just after the release of the movie. The story is split into six black-and-white volumes that follow Scott Pilgrim, a 23-year old Canadian slacker who plays bass guitar in the band Sex Bob-Omb. He falls in love with Amazon delivery girl Ramonna Flowers but in order to win her heart, Scott must first defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends.

Greatly inspired by Japanese manga artwork, the characters emotions are often expressed through seemingly simple lines. The story itself is incredibly strong; with convincing dialogue that is quite literally a nerd's delight. Frequent references to video games and over-the-top action are rife throughout the volumes, which is dominated by Scott and Ramonna's attempts to stay together despite the numerous battles Scott faces. This aspect of the volumes is surprisingly serious. The love story is cute and honest, something I didn't expect to see in a graphic novel. As an 18 year old guy who loves comics, I was amazed by how much I dug this story and the connection between Scott and Ramonna. What enhances its quality is its quirky and kinetic energy; often cutting away to random events that relate to the present or even creating video-game style fight scenes in the same vein as the Street Fighters series that are just plain bizarre. I mean, no one has super powers (with the exception of vegan Todd) and thats established but somehow the fight scenes transcend into surreal fantasy. Its really cool how there is not one drop of blood in all the fight scenes. Its all very PG which brings me to the movie.....

The film adaptation of Scott Pilgrim combines all volumes of the graphic series with the exception of Vol. 6 since it was released after production began. It was directed by Edgar Wright of Shaun of the Dead and Spaced fame which means that the film was already guaranted to have a quick paced editing style, that was reminiscent of the novels. The great thing about the film (apart from it being totally awesome) is that its a more than faithful adaptation; it retains the edge, the quirkiness and even the comic book style. Many images in the film are the exact same as the ones from the comics and as someone who has read half of the series, its greaat to notice these little details.

As Scott Pilgrim is Michael Cera, the bass playing jobless slacker who fights for Ramonna. As many people may know, Michael Cera plays Michael Cera in every Michael Cera movie. Just something I thought of. He is a good comedic actor, I love Superbad and Juno. I now love this equally but Michael Cera plays the same character. Geeky, silly, rather idiotic. Just like Scotty P. Which makes him perfect for the role.

Artistic license is taken though. To condense six graphic novels is tough. Therefore, storylines are changed to fit other characters or are omitted completed. However, this does not change the final quality of the film. I'm gonna stop now cause I really can't be arsed to keep writing. Simply put, like the Walking Dead, read and watch kids! Its awesome stuff and I would like to make a change to my Top 5 of 2010. I stupidly omitted Scott Pilgrim in favour of Kick-Ass. WRONG DECISION. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is now Number 5 in my Top 5 of 2010. RESULT!!

Peace!!!